WALES prop Adam Jones has taken the steps of writing an open letter to Ospreys supporters after signing for Cardiff Blues.

PUBLISHED: 00:01, Thu, Aug 21, 2014

Wales' Adam Jones (right) has signed a one-year deal at Cardiff[GETTY]

Jones, 33, insisted he "couldn't wait forever" for his playing future to be resolved after he signed with Blues on Tuesday.

The British and Irish Lions Test tighthead Jones has been out of work since his Ospreys contract expired at the end of last season.

He had been training with his former club Neath, as any prospective new deal with the Ospreys hinged on a solution being found to the long-running and ongoing dispute over a fresh agreement between the Welsh Rugby Union and Wales' four professional regions - Ospreys, Blues, Scarlets and Newport Gwent Dragons.

"As pretty much the whole world and his wife will know by now, I had been waiting for a deal to be struck between the regions and the Welsh Rugby Union over a new participation agreement so the Ospreys could conclude a fresh contract with me," said Jones.

"I haven't been getting any money, but I was just hoping that the row that has blighted Welsh rugby for so long could be finally settled and I could pull on the black shirt again.

"Then on Sunday morning I received a call from the Blues asking whether I fancied a move there. I had to think long and hard about their proposal because I know all about regional rivalry and how much it matters in Wales."

Delighted to have signed for the @cardiff_blues exciting times! Loved every minute playing for the @ospreys the last 11yrs it's been ace!

In the letter to the South Wales Evening Post, Jones added: "But my circumstances were such that I didn't feel I could turn Cardiff down. I haven't been paid for two months and the season is barely a fortnight away. I need to be properly attached to a team and training with a group of players in readiness for the new campaign.

"I couldn't wait forever. The contract with the Ospreys has been on the table since January, but without signatures it meant only so much.

"No-one is to blame. Andrew Hore (Ospreys chief executive) and Steve Tandy (head coach) have been straight down the line with me throughout the negotiations. They haven't messed me about and I don't think I have messed anyone about, either."

Meanwhile, Richard Cockerill has poured scorn on those who believe Brad Thorn has joined Leicester for a big pay cheque before he retires.

The ex-New Zealand second row, 39, who helped the All Blacks win the World Cup in 2011, will arrive at the Tigers at the end of September on a one-year deal.

Leicester director of rugby Cockerill, who described Thorn as “one of the great all-time players the world has ever seen”, added: “He is a very driven individual.

“He wants to play in the Aviva Premiership and he wants to win it.

“Brad wants to come here and test himself. That says a lot about him at this stage in his career, after all he has achieved.

“He will turn 40 during the season but if anyone questions his age or commitment, you wait until you meet him.” Thorn, a former rugby league star for the Brisbane Broncos and Australia, won 59 caps for the All Blacks and also lifted the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2011.